Campus to host state senate forums

Sacramento State will sponsor two state senatorial forums this month that will enable voters to compare the candidates’ respective positions on the issues and to make more informed choices on Nov 2.

On Thursday, Oct. 21, incumbent Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, will square off against Republican Marcel Weiland and Libertarian Steve Torno to represent Senate District 6. The forum, scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m., will be held in the University Union Ballroom and moderated by the League of Women Voters of Sacramento County.

The Senate District 1 forum will be Wednesday, Oct 27, at 6:30-7:15 p.m., in the University Union Ballroom.

Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Sacramento, and Rancho Cordova Democratic Mayor Ken Cooley have agreed to attend. Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, and former Republican Assemblywoman and current member of board of equalization, Barbara Alby have been invited. The event will be moderated by Professor Val Smith of the Communications Studies Department.

The District 1 forum will be transmitted via live video streaming, courtesy of Sac State’s Academic Technology and Creative Services in tandem with Information Resources and Technology. The program will also be posted on the University’s news page. Live-streaming is important because this sprawling senate district encompasses 12 counties.

Comprehensive coverage is consistent with the CSU system’s public-service mandate that political forums and debates be presented on campuses during an election cycle. It also dovetails with Destination 2010, President Alexander Gonzalez’s goal of strengthening the bond between campus and community.